Engraving or reproducing machine



May 2, 1939. H. w. WALDORF ET AL ENGRAVING 0R REPRODUCING MACHINE Filed Jan. 25, 1959 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 ll ll "Hu INVENTORS HELMUTH w. wnwakr se/cu M4 BY ATTORNEY May 2, 1939. H. w. WALDORF ET AL 2,156,269

ENGRAVING 0R REPRODUCING MACHINE Filed Jan. 25, 1959 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS HELMl/TH W WALDORF May 2, 1939.

H. W. WALDORF ET AL ENGRAVING OR REPRODUCING MACHINE Filed Jan. 25, 1939 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Mm N.

. \NVENTORS HELMUTH WWALDORF 2 ERIC ATTORNEY Patented May 2, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ENGRAVING OR, REPRODUCING MACHINE Application January 25, 1939, Serial No. 252,808

10 Claims.

This invention relates to pantographic engraving and like reproducing machines for use in connection with any suitable material to be engraved in any desired manner.

It is an object of the invention to provide a machine of the aforesaid nature which is simple in construction, very efficient in operation and easy to handle even by an unskilled person.

Another advantage of this invention resides in the provision of a portable machine of the above nature which may be carried about by the operator to and installed at any desired place for engraving or like operation.

A further object of the present invention is to provide direct driving connection between the motor and the holder for the engraving or like tool by means of a flexible shaft which is capable of following movements imparted to said tool during the engraving operation.

A still further object of the invention contemplates the provision of a post or spindle on the base of the machine comprising a bearing unit about which all essential parts connected with the engraving tool may be horizontally swung.

Still another object of the invention is to provide on said post rotatable carrying means pivotally supporting for swinging movement? about a horizontal plane a pantographic device, said device and said means being removably mounted as a unit on said post or bearing unit.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide preferably on said carrying means an electro-magnet or like apparatus to urge said pantographic device into operative position, the said device being maintained in inoperative position through the action of a spring.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide switch means for said electromagnet, said switch means being preferably located adjacent the stylus of the pantographic device to enable the operator to manipulate the switch with the same hand which he uses to operate the stylus in outlining the character to be engraved.

A further object of this invention is to make said pivotal supporting arrangement adjustable at opposed locations on said carrying means to regulate said swinging movement.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide on said carrying means a stop member to limit the swinging movement of said pantographic device.

Still another object of the present invention is to utilize the base which carries the motor and said post, as a receptacle for accessories to be used with the machine, said receptacle being closable by a removable cover plate which also is utilizable as an arm or hand rest when attached to the front of the machine.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved character carrier.

A further important feature of the invention resides in providing a base which is utilized as a motor support, a pantographic device carrier, a work clamping mean-s holder, a receptacle for accessories and a rest for the arm or hand of the operator performing the engraving operation above a character carrier seated on said base, thus rendering said engraving machine very compact and easily portable. 15

In the accompanying drawings, in which is shown one of the various possible embodiments of the invention, and in which like numerals represent like parts:

Fig, 1 is a plan view of a portable engraving machinedesigned in accordance with this invention, parts being broken away.

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view thereof, partly broken.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged end view of the pantograph pivot means and associated parts shown in a nonoperating position. 1

Fig. 4 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the stylus finger piece and the contact-switch incorporated therein.

Fig. 5 is a wiring diagram as used in the machine.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged transverse sectional view of the clamping means for the indicia bearing strip. 7

In that embodiment of the invention here illustrated, the portable machine is provided with a base l0 formed in the present instance with a compartment cavity l l for the storing therein of dies, plates, and other such appurtenances of a 40 machine of this character. A plate I2 is provided to cover this cavity, being held in position as by means of the screws I 3. When the machine is in use, this plate l2 may be removed to be secured by the screws I3 to lugs I4 provided 45 at the front of the base Ill. In this position the plate I2 serves as an arm rest for the operator as Will be later more evident.

The base 10 also serves to support Work clamping means which may be of conventional design. 50 In its illustrated form this means comprises a bracket l5 formed with spaced V-notched arms l6 and having an associate spring urged work clamping lever I! so arranged as to confine the Work l8 in the notches of said arms and to hold 56 said work during action thereon of the engraving needle.

In proper relation to the work l8 there is arranged along the front portion of the base, means for positioning and clamping an indicia bearing strip or similar devices. In this instance this means comprises a transversely arranged channel member. l9 in the channel 20 on which may be placed the indicia bearing strip 2 I. One or more members such as the bridges 22 may be arranged for sliding engagement with the channel member I 9, the latter each carrying a clamp plate 23 adapted to be pressed against the strip 2| as by means of the knurled thumb screws 24. Thus it is evident that any indicia bearing means of a substantially fiat nature may be positioned and clamped in suitable relation to the work l8. and conversely. said work may be positioned in suitable relation with the indicia of the strip 2|.

In order to guide the engraving needle along the work in a proper manner with. respect to the manual movements of the stylus, a pantograph is provided as at 25. This pantograph may comprise a pivoted arm 26, a link 21 arranged parallel thereto and the transversely disposed parallel arms 28 and 29. The latter arms are pivoted to the arm 26 at 30 and 3| respectively and the link 21 is pivotally engaged with the arms 28 and 29 at 32 and 33 respectively. The arm 28, in this instance, is provided with an extension 34 terminating in a stylus 35, said extension being hinged at 36 to said arm 28 so that it may be swung upward and out of the way when not in use.

The free end of the arm 29 is arranged, as later described, to support an engraving needle or the like 31. The pivot for the arm 26 being at bearing unit 38, it is evident that manual movement of the stylus 35 will cause similar but reduced movement of the engraving needle 31.

The foregoing description of the pantograph is quite typical but in order to realize certain objects of the invention, improved features have been incorporated therein.

It is preferred to form the end of the arm 26, remote from the pivot 38, as a closed yoke 39 surrounding the pantograph pivot 38 and to provide longitudinally arranged pivot members 40 and 4| each engaged in seats formed in projections 42 and 43 respectively of the member or pivot sleeve 44. The latter is disposed around the pivot post or bearing unit 38 and by this arrangement the arm 26 is not only arranged to swing in a horizontal path but also transversely on the pivot members 40 and 4|, providing a horizontal axis. Arm 26 pivoted to T-shaped member 44 at 42, 43 on the horizontal axis thereof extends therefrom substantially in the direction of said horizontal axis.

Since it is desired to keep the engraving needle 37 out of contact with the work 18 until all conditions for proper engraving have been satisfied, a coil spring 45 is engaged between a lug 46 on the sleeve 44 and a lug 41 on the yoke 39 in a manner whereby the spring causes tilting of the arm 26 and thus of the entire pantograph 25 about the pivot members 46 and 4|. The engraving needle 31 carried on the end of the arm 29 is thus elevated as clearly shown in Fig. 3. As it is evident from the drawings and the above description the sleeve or member 44 which is hori zontally movable about the vertical axis formed by bearing unit 38, pivotally supports the arm 26 which forms part of or carries the pantographic mechanism including the engraving tool 31, spaced apart from the base It] in any position determined by the horizontal movement of sleeve 44.

When it is desired to engage the engraving nee dle 31 with the work l8, :1 push knob 48 provided on the arm 29, may be pressed downwardly to overcome the pull of the spring 45. This knob may be utilized during the make-ready period to assure proper positioning of the work. -However, during engraving of the work and in order to insure uniform pressure of the needle on the work, electrically operated means for moving the needle into position may be employed.

This latter means, as illustrated, comprises an electro-magnet 49 carried by an extension 50 of the sleeve 44 and provided with a magnetic core 5| The yoke 39 may be formed with a lateral extension 52 carrying an armature 53. It is evident then, that upon energizing the core 5| by passing electric current through the electro-magnet 49, the armature 53 will be attracted to tilt the pantograph against the pull of the spring 45. The engraving needle 31 will then be in proper position to act on the work I8.

Since the electro-magnet 49 is mounted with the sleeve 44 and said sleeve pivots with the arm 26 during action of the pantograph, the armature 52 and said electro-magnet are at all times operatively related.

The tilting movement of the pantograph is limited as by means of the pin 66 formed on an extension of the projection 43, said pin being disposed to engage the lug 61 of the yoke 39 when the spring 45 acts to tilt said yoke. The lug 68, spaced from the lug 61, may serve as a limit for the tilting of the yoke in the other direction to obviate actual contact between the armature 53 and the core 5|. Thus, inadvertent sticking together of these parts is obviated.

The electric circuit to the electro-magnet may be made at any convenient point but a suitable place would be at the stylus 35. Thus, the stylus is provided with a knob 54 by means of which it may be guided along the indicia strip, and in said knob there is suitably arranged a pair of contacts 55 and 56, normally in spaced relation. The former contact 55 is adapted to be urged manually into electrical engagement with contact 56 as by means of a push button 51 mounted in the knob. As shown in the wiring diagram (Fig.5) these contacts are connected respectively to opposite ends of the windings of the electro-magnet, one of said connections being in series with a source of electric current.

From the above it is clear that the engraving needles position is under control at all times during the movement of the stylus and that the flexibility of the machine in operation is enhanced. The plate l2 when mounted on the lugs l4 serves as a convenient arm rest to steady the arm of the operator during guiding of the stylus.

The engraving needle 31 is preferably driven as by means of the electric motor 58 carried by a bracket 59 from the base Hi. It is preferred to connect a flexible shaft 60 from the motor shaft 6! to the sleeve 62 in which the needle 31 is unmovably secured. In a suitable manner this sleeve may be mounted for rotation in the housing 63 formed on the arm 29, the anti-friction bearings 64 being preferred. As shown, the flexible shaft 60 may be readily coupled and uncoupled from the sleeve 62 so that the engraving needle 31 may be changed when desired.

The motor 58, as shown in Fig. 5, is preferably connected in parallel with the circuit of the electro-magnet 49 and a double-pole snap switch 65 amazes may be employed as a master control of the mentioned electric circuits.

From the foregoing it is evident that a desirable form of engraving machine has been provided in its present preferred embodiment. It should also be understood that many changes in design and arrangement within the spirit and scope of the invention may well be made. Hence, the present disclosure should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. A machine of the character described comprising a base, a motor fixed on said base and having a shaft, a bearing unit projecting from said base and having a vertical axis, a member journaled on said unit, means pivoted to said member on a horizontal axis and extending therefrom substantially in the direction of said horizontal axis, said means carrying a pantographic mechanism including an engraving tool, said member being horizontally movable about said vertical axis and supporting said means spaced apart from said base in any position determined by said horizontal movement. and flexible means from said motor shaft to said tool to impart rotation thereto.

2. A portable engraving machine comprising a base carrying an indicia holder, a motor fixed on said base and having a vertical shaft, a bearing unit projecting from said base and having a vertical axis, a member journaled on said unit, means pivoted on said member on a horizontal axis and extending therefrom substantially in the direction of said horizontal axis, said means carrying a pantographic mechanism including an engraving tool and a stylus cooperable with said indicia holder, said member being horizontally movable about said vertical axis and supporting said means spaced apart from said base in any position determined by said horizontal movement, and flexible means from said motor shaft to said tool to impart rotation thereto.

3. A-machine of the character described com prising a base, a motor fixed on said base and having a shaft, a bearing unit projecting from said base and having a vertical axis, a member journaled on said unit, means pivoted at one of its ends to said member on opposite sides thereof on a horizontal axis and extending therefrom substantially in the direction of said horizontal axis, said means carrying a pantographic mechanism including an engraving tool, said member being horizontally movable about said vertical axis and supporting said means spaced apart from said base in any position determined by said horizontal movement, and flexible means from said motor shaft to said tool to impart rotation thereto.

4. A machine of the character described comprising a base, a motor fixed on said base and having a shaft, a bearing unit projecting from said base and having a vertical axis, an elongated member journaled on said unit, horizontal lugs at either side of said member, means pivoted to each of said lugs and extending therefrom substantially in the direction of the horizontal axis of said lugs, said means carrying a pantographic mechanism including an engraving tool, said member being horizontally movable about said vertical axis and supporting said means at said lugs spaced apart from said base in any position determined by said horizontal movement,

and flexible means from said motor shaft to said tool to impart rotation thereto.

5. A machine of the character described comprising a base, a motor fixed on said base and having a shaft, a bearing unit projecting from said base and having a vertical axis, a member journaled on said unit, an arm pivoted on said member on a horizontal axis and extending therefrom substantially in the direction of said horizontal axis, said arm carrying a pantographic mechanism including an engraving tool, said member being horizontally movable about said vertical axis and supporting said arm spaced apart from said base in any position determined by said horizontal movement, cooperable stop means on said arm and on said member for limiting pivoted movement of said arm in either direction on said horizontal axis into respective operative and inoperative positions, and flexible means from said motor shaft to said tool to impart rotation thereto.

6. A machine of the character described comprising a base, a motor fixed on said base and having a shaft, a bearing unit projecting from said base and having a vertical axis, a member journaled on said unit, an arm pivoted on said member on a horizontal axis and extending therefrom substantially in the direction of said horizontal axis, said arm carrying a pantographic mechanism including an engraving tool, said member being horizontally movable about said vertical axis and supporting said arm spaced apart from said base in any position determined by saidv horizontal movement, cooperable stop means on said arm and on said member for limiting pivoted movement of said arm in either direction on said horizontal axis into respective operative and inoperative positions, spring means connecting said arm and said member for urging said arm to one of said limited positions determined by said stop means, and flexible means from said motor shaft to said tool to impart rotation thereto.

'7. A machine of the character describe-d comprising a base, a motor fixed on said base and having a shaft, a bearing unit projecting from said base and having a vertical axis, a member journaled on said unit, an arm pivoted on said member on a horizontal axis and extending therefrom substantially in the direction of said horizontal axis, said arm carrying a pantographic mechanism including an engraving tool, said .member being horizontally movable about said vertical axis and supporting said arm spaced apart from said base in any position determined by said horizontal movement, cooperable stop means on said arm and on said member for limiting pivoted movement of said arm in either direction on said horizontal axis into respective op erative and inoperative positions, spring means connecting said arm and said member for urging said arm to one of said limited positions determined by said stop means, means fixed to said member and adjacent said arm for swinging said arm against the action of said spring means to the other of said limited positions, and flexible means from said motor shaft to said tool to impart rotation thereto.

8. A machine of the character described comprising a base, a motor fixed on said base and having a shaft, a bearing unit projecting from said base and having a vertical axis, a rigid substantially T-shaped member journaled on said unit, means pivoted at one of its ends to the extended arms of said member for oscillating said means about a horizontal axis passing through said arms and extending therefrom substantially in the direction of said horizontal axis, said means carrying a pantographic mechanism including an engraving tool, said member being horizontally movable about said vertical axis and supporting said means spaced apart from said base in any position determined by said horizontal movement, and flexible means from said motor shaft to said tool to impart rotation thereto.

9. A machine of the character described comprising a base, a motor fixed on said base and having a shaft, a bearing unit projecting from said base and having a vertical axis, a rigid substantially T-shaped member journaled on said unit, means pivoted at one of its ends to the extended arms of said member for oscillating said means about a horizontal axis passing through said arms and extending therefrom substantially in the direction of said horizontal axis, said means carrying a pantographic mechanism including an engraving tool, said member being horizontally movable about said vertical axis and supporting said means spaced apart from said base in any position determined by said horizontal movement, means for causing swinging movement of said pivoted means to an operativeposition with respect to said base, means to return said pivoted means to its normal inoperative position after being swung into said operative position, and flexible means from said motor shaft to said tool to impart rotation thereto.

10. A portable engraving machine comprising a base, a motor fixed on said base and having a. shaft, a bearing unit projecting from said base and having a vertical axis, a member journaled on said unit, swingable means pivoted on said member on a horizontal axis for moving said means in an arcuate path relatively to said horizontal axis and extending therefrom substantially in the direction of said horizontal axis, said means carrying a pantographic mechanism including an engraving tool, said member being horizontally movable about said vertical axis and maintaining said means spaced apart from said base in any position determined by said horizontal movement, cooperable stop means on said swingable means and on said member for limiting swinging movement of said means in said path into respective operative and inoperative positions of said swingable means, and flexible means from said motor shaft to said tool to impart rotation thereto.

HELMUTH W. W'ALDORF. ERICH MAY. 

